As that sentimental, love-filled holiday we call Valentine’s Day approaches, you’re probably thinking of how to best express your romantic affection for that very special someone. How about putting your feelings into words by writing a beautiful love letter just for him? If you find your thoughts don’t always flow quite as easily as you’d like, you may find it really difficult to come up with just the right words to convey exactly how you feel. No worries. Blue Mountain is here for you!

Our lovebird experts have compiled the following steps that will help you write that perfect love letter exclusively for him. We’re also offering a FREE printable love quote that is made for printing and framing! When you combine this framed quote and your love letter on coordinating Love Letter Stationery from BlueMountain.com, you’ll have the perfect Valentine’s Day present ready to go!

Find the right spot.You’ll want to find a nice quiet space in which to write, away from all phones, computers, and other distractions. If you’re comfortable and unhurried, your letter-writing process will be much more relaxing, enjoyable, and productive.

Gather your thoughts first.
Before you put pen to paper, take your time and go over your feelings and emotions for him. Remember key moments and events you’ve shared. What makes him stand out from the others? Focus on his best qualities and some of the kind (and maybe even unexpected) things he’s done for you, like helping with the dishes or fixing a flat tire.

Use your own voice.
Don’t try to imitate anyone or use words you wouldn’t ordinarily use in real life. Be conversational and write exactly what comes to mind, just the way you would say it out loud. Your own voice is the sweetest voice of all—and he knows it.

Choose special stationery.
A personally handwritten letter is the best of all. No emails or texts will do this time, sorry. As luck would have it, our designers have created some FREE stationery templates you can print right from home.

Don’t worry about length.
Your letter doesn’t have to be long to be better. Short and sweet is just as good as any novella.

Write from the heart.Now that you’re set, let your heart guide you. Start with the reason you decided to write him a love letter. (Use your best penmanship!) Then you can talk about:
– How you felt the day you met him
– How your life has changed since you met him
– Why you fell in love with him
– How you feel when you’re together
– How you feel when you’re apart
– What makes him so special

Sign, seal, deliver.Conclude with a sentimental closing, such as “With all my love,” “Forever yours,” or “Your one and only.” You can even put on your brightest red lipstick and plant a kiss next to your signature. Or lightly spritz the letter with your favorite perfume. Tuck into an envelope. Consider adding your photo, a few heart-shaped confetti, or some dried rose petals before sealing. Add a candle wax seal using a heart-shaped stamp for a nice finishing touch. Hand-address and mail in plenty of time for him to receive—and enjoy—by Valentine’s Day.

A birthday is a really special occasion. Valentine’s Day is also a pretty special occasion. But when someone’s got a birthday that’s also on or near Valentine’s Day, now that’s an EXTRA special occasion!

So when it comes time to writing something meaningful and appropriate in a greeting to that unique Valentine baby—whether it’s a general birthday eCard or a specific Valentine’s Day eCard—you may find yourself at a slight loss for words.

No longer.

The editors at Blue Mountain offer their suggestions for sentiments that will help convey your feelings exactly. Whether you’re searching for a message that’s fun and lighthearted, or something a bit more serious and conventional, we’ve got just the right Valentine’s Day birthday wishes for you. How sweet is that!

Cute & Sweet

From delicate lace to candy and cakes, nothing is finer or sweeter than you. Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

Hope your special day is just as sweet as you. Happy Valentine’s Birthday!

Hugs and kisses x2 on your Valentine’s birthday!

Sending you a double dose of sweet joy and happiness on your Valentine’s Day birthday!

Your heart is always filled with so much love, which explains why you were born on Valentine’s Day! Hope your special day is extra happy.

May your birthday be filled with all the sweetness in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

Only special people are born on the day the world celebrates love. Happy Valentine’s Birthday to special you!

Wishing you a valentine birthday sprinkled with happiness, laughter, and love!

Two of the sweetest days rolled into one: your birthday and Valentine’s Day. Happy happy!

Wishing you a doubly love-filled day! Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

How sweet that your birthday falls on Valentine’s Day. You get cake, ice cream, presents AND chocolate! Happy birthday!

Traditional & Heartfelt

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day birthday filled with lots of love and laughter!

Sending extra love on your Valentine’s birthday!

February 14 is a special day for a special person: you! Happy Valentine’s Birthday!

How do you love her? Are you counting all the ways? When it comes to writing a love letter for that sweet lady in your life, don’t worry about trying to sound like Shakespeare. That’s not who she loves—it’s you. Your way of looking at the world, your feelings, your emotions…you. But if you’re asking yourself, “Where do I even begin?” the answer is right here. The romance experts at Blue Mountain have compiled a list of suggestions that will help you compose the perfect Valentine’s Day love letter just for her. (Psst, don’t be surprised if she treasures it forever!)

We’re also offering a FREE printable love quote that is made for printing and framing! When you combine this framed quote and your love letter on coordinating Love Letter Stationery from BlueMountain.com, you’ll have the perfect Valentine’s Day present ready to go!

Start with a piece of paper. No computer-generated letter, email, or text will do this time. For maximum impact, your love letter should really be handwritten with a pen on a piece of paper, preferably some nice stationery. (Download beautiful Love Letter Stationery for FREE right on BlueMountain.com!) Use your best penmanship and even try to add a personal touch, such as drawing a heart at the end of every line or adding a special doodle at the end of the letter.

Take your time. Don’t be in any rush to finish this letter. Choose a quiet spot and collect your thoughts. Picture her in your mind and think of all her endearing qualities. What makes her so special to you? Think of details rather than just a general impression.

Be authentic. Write simply and from the heart. Don’t use fancy words or steal a quote from a famous writer. You also don’t want to write in a voice that is different from how you ordinarily speak. (If you do, it will end up sounding forced, corny, and unoriginal.) However, it would really touch her heart if you tried to reveal a little more about the depth of your feelings for her than you have in the past.

Use details. This is key. You want to show more than you tell. This means, don’t just tell her how wonderful she is and that you can’t stop thinking about her. Instead, describe a situation that revealed her kind, generous nature and made you fall in love with her. (For example, when she cared for her grandmother or took in a lost puppy.)

Focus on her. Remember, this letter is about the things you love about her and your memories of her, not about your own qualities or romantic history. What is it about her that makes her beautiful in your eyes? What is it specifically that you love about her? How does she make you feel complete? What qualities set her apart from everyone else?

Don’t fret about length. A love letter does not have to be long to be meaningful. In fact, some of the sweetest love letters have been short and spontaneous. What really counts is quality, not quantity.

Sum it up nicely. After all is said and done, you will want to end your letter with a line that sums up your love sincerely. It’s okay to slant towards cheesiness as long as you’re completely authentic. Some closing examples include:

Sending a birthday card to a friend is a great way to let them know you care and that you’re thinking of them on their special day.

But after you’ve searched for that perfect card—and found it!—you might hesitate and ask yourself, “What can I write in this card that will let them know exactly how I feel?”

The experts at Blue Mountain are here to help! We’ve compiled the following suggestions for you to use exactly as written or as an idea for something even more personal. Either way, your friend will appreciate your sincerity and thoughtfulness! After all, what are friends for?

For Any Friend

You’re such a special friend who deserves a special day just for being you. Happy Birthday!

November brings with it the flurry of preparation for the upcoming holidays, and in these next few weeks as menus and guest lists are planned, it’s also a good idea to start thinking about the annual tradition of the Thanksgiving prayer or blessing.

Perhaps you give the blessing each year, or maybe you’ll be invited to lead a prayer
as a guest in someone’s home. If the latter makes you tremble like Tom Turkey in the barnyard, fear not— we’ve written a two part series, including some helpful tips on how to offer warm and gracious blessings and prayers full of gratitude.

Thank you…to whom?

Many people feel pressured on the “what should I say” moment during grace. You don’t have to be Christian, or belong to any religion, to offer a prayer of thankfulness. If you are a Christian, than your prayer very likely would include God and you could thank Him for being among friends and family and for the food you’re about to share. Some tribal traditions thank the animal that sacrificed its life, others address the Universe, and many acknowledge the Earth and those who worked and labored to produce the food. Taking time to speak gratitude out loud is a soulful gesture in itself, regardless of one’s tradition.

Think about what you’re thankful for:

Everyone has something to be thankful for, even if it’s simply being alive. Write down a list of people and things you cherish, and also think about things that have happened to you, or others that will gather with you, and speak positively about them.

Here are some thoughts to get you started:

Think of the friends and family members you cherish

Are people traveling to see you? Think about gratitude for safe travels.

What about faithful pets? Give thanks for their companionship and comfort each day.

A warm home and food on the table is more than many have, and worthy of much gratitude.

Is someone ill and trying to heal? Think about offering thanks for the doctors and medical care they are receiving, or were fortunate to find.

Maybe someone is waiting on a new job, or perhaps someone lost a job—you could give thanks for the blessings ahead, and the courage and strength to persevere.

Help words and phrases:

For those writing a custom Thanksgiving prayer, these words and phrases can be plugged into any prayer during Thanksgiving:

blessing(s)

thankful

Thanksgiving

giving thanks

God’s gift of feast

family harvest

harvest gathering

feast of life

Autumn togetherness

unmeasured appreciation

Hopefully, your mind is swirling with ideas, and don’t forget to check back next week with our follow up post which will include poems, graces and prayers you can use for your blessing.

Cake. Ice Cream. Balloons. Presents. Laughter. Smiles. Fun. And the one day in 365 that’s all about us! Does it get any better than that?

From young to old–and since time immemorial–people have celebrated birthdays in all kinds of unique and wonderful ways. But whether we like fanfare or some quiet time just to dream, we all deserve to have a day that’s simply perfect for us–and to be reminded how special we are and the difference we make in this world. And–if we happen to be family–perhaps even more so.

I Want to Tell Them…

Sometimes the people we care about most can be the last to know it! Sometimes we’re just better at doing something to show our love than we are at talking about it. Maybe we’re shy about our feelings or we’re just not sure how to express them. But we all know how much even the smallest compliment, expressed from the heart, can mean.

…But How Do I Say It?

Here at bluemountain.com, we have everything from simple wishes to words of appreciation, warm compliments, or love-filled thoughts for the ones you’re closest to. So have a look…and once you’ve chosen the perfect card, you can use some of the idea-starters below to help you add your own personal touch, making it into a keepsake that will always be treasured in a family birthday cards.

Some Things to Think About

What is it about your family that makes it unique, special, and wonderful?And how does this person contribute to that?What is your favorite thing about this person?What are some of your best memories that include them?How have they’ve touched, inspired, or influenced you?Is there something they’ve said or done that made all the difference?Something special you want to thank them for?What does this person mean to you?

Making It Personal

Now you’ve got more ideas than you need, don’t you?! Time to choose your favorite ones and, in your own words, write what’s in your heart. Relax. Smile. Keep it simple. Make it a celebration of the unique and special person they are, and you’ll make their day–and, just maybe, their whole year!

Simple Wishes

Enjoy every special moment that comes your way today…This wish is for your birthday…but the smiles are for always…To another year of family times and happy memories…Wishing you your favorite kind of day…to smile, laugh, dream, remember, celebrate.With hugs, smiles, and love for a very special _________.

Compliments

Can’t imagine our family without you in it.Even if we weren’t family…you’d still be one of my favorite people ever.Every family has its special people…and you’re one of the nicest.Family’s the greatest…especially family like you.Great memories…good times…family like you are the best!Happy Birthday to my one-of-a-kind wonderful ______(relationship).Hoping life is always good…for a _______ who will always be special.It’s fun being family with you!Thoughts of you always make me smile.Wishing a wonderful ________ a wonderful birthday.You’re a gift to our family…You’re the best kind of family…the fun kind.

Special thanks

So thankful we’re family…Thanks for being someone I’ve always looked up to…Thanks for being there for me…Thanks for making me feel special…Thanks for the nice things you’re always doing…You’re a blessing to our family.

Close relationships

Celebrating you and how much you’ve always meant to me.Feel loved, feel special, because that’s what you are.Life gives us family. Love makes them matter.Nobody loves us like our families do.Not just because we’re family, but because we’re friends, too…Smiling at so many memories today…Some of my favorite family stories have you in them.We share a special connection…We’ve shared the ups and downs and everything in between.You’re a part of my favorite memories…Your birthday will always be special to me because you are.

Share this:

“THANK YOU.” Most everyone says this daily and it feels perfectly natural to say it.
But for special situations, when we want to put our gratitude in print, it’s different and, sometimes, even difficult. So once you’ve got a great card or some nice stationery, what comes next in thanking someone for a gift, an interview, a thoughtful gesture? Perhaps
the tips below can help you write a thank you note that’s not only sincere, but appropriate as well.

Handwritten Thank You Note

First, know that a handwritten thank you note is always appreciated. With email being such a common form of communication, personal notes are more valued than ever. And taking the time to acknowledge someone’s kindness or time will mean the world to them. Simply the fact that you’re writing a note sets you up for success.

Be Timely

Next, try to be timely. A thank you note is best sent within a week. For a large event, like
a shower or wedding, up to three months is acceptable, but “sooner” is preferred than “later.” If time gets away from you, just offer a humble apology, but don’t dwell on your delay. The note shouldn’t sound like it was a burden to write.

For more formal or business thank yous, such as after an interview, a thank you email can be sent immediately if there is a sense of urgency (say in placing an order or filling a position,) but it should still be followed up with a thank you note or letter sent shortly after the event–within 2 to 3 days. (See links below for more information.)

A few ideas for business thank yous…

I’m so happy you recommended our company to one of your friends…many thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Or: We were so happy with your____________, we just wanted you to know we’ll recommend you to all our friends.

Thank you for the time you spent showing me…

Thank you for showing us what “above and beyond” really means…

I know your time is valuable, so I just wanted to thank you for making room in your schedule for me.

Be Yourself and Be Specific

Now, just be yourself…but be specific. Address the recipient in the way that’s comfortable for both of you, and then focus on your reason for writing. There’s no need for a long lead-in as you might do in a letter. Let the recipient know right away what you’re thanking them for, and describe it thoughtfully. Saying the gift is incredibly useful, the dinner was delicious, or their act of kindness was enormouslyhelpful are personal touches that mean
a lot.

Add Some Details

Don’t hesitate to add more details to genuinely express your gratitude. For example, if you’ll think of the gift giver whenever you use their present, tell them so. If you felt the dinner guests were a great group of people, let the host know it. If thinking about what someone did still makes you smile, that’s something they’d like to know. Elaborating on the reasons for your gratitude helps people see themselves positively from your point of view—and doubles the joy of the gesture.

End With a Compliment

Finally, finish the note with a sincere compliment that will leave a lasting effect. Whether they’re a one-of-a-kind wonderful friend, an amazing cook, a prospective employer, or you appreciate the time they took out of their busy schedule, now is the time to tell them you noticed—and it will make them feel extra special.

Remember, the thank you note itself, although expected, can often be a pleasant surprise. And everyone wants to feel appreciated. So, the few minutes you take to tell someone you’re thankful could brighten their whole day…and yours!

A few ideas for social thank yous…

You always know the perfect thing to (do, say, give, etc.)

Your kindess during a difficult time was sincerely appreciated.

I feel doubly blessed…first for what you did, but mostly, for what
you mean to me.

By definition, an anniversary marks a date that’s remembered because of a significant event. In this case, we’re highlighting a wedding anniversary, either your own or that of someone you care about.

To help celebrate this extra special occasion, you probably would want to send an anniversary card. But you really want it to speak straight from the heart—and every word needs to be both meaningful and sincere.

After you’ve finally settled on the perfect card, you then most probably will want to add your own personal note. And this is where the challenge lies. Where to begin? How to phrase your thoughts and wishes? What exactly to include?

First of all, it’s best to keep anything you write short and sweet. (Think of one warm thought or feeling, one compliment about the other person, or one statement of gratitude.) It’s also important to express your feelings in your own genuine style (e.g., cute, simple, direct, romantic, corny, funny, etc.). Finally, be sure to keep the recipient clearly in mind, whether it’s a spouse, a friend, or a relative— and speak directly to them as you normally would in person.

For some great examples of what to write in an anniversary card, we’d like to share several ways to address that very special someone in your life:

For Your Own Spouse

To my one and only.

You are my endless love!

My heart is yours forever.

Thank you for another wonderful year.

I offer my heart to you again. And again. And again.

After all this time, you’re still absolutely, undeniably incredible to me.

My love is real because of you.

You make my life complete.

I love you not only for who you are, but for who I am when I’m with you.

To another year full of joy, love, and bliss.

Our union tells me God has blessed me with a tremendous gift.

I’m honored to grow old with you and to share memories of the blessed life we have together.

Happy anniversary to my best friend, the love of my life, and all the other titles you deserve.

Every year with you is sweeter than the last.

The longer we’re married, the more I realize I got the better end of the deal.

When I look into your eyes, I see a reflection of the love we’ve share and the many more happy years to come.

How sweet it is to be loved by you.

Every year that passes, I fall more and more in love with you.

One year down. Many, many more wonderful ones to go!

To the one person in this world who makes me the happiest!

For Someone Else

Congratulations on so many wonderful years together!

A wish that all your days together continue to be touched with lasting love.

May the cherished memories of the years you’ve shared make this anniversary a wonderful celebration indeed.

Wishing you a wonderful anniversary and a beautiful future with your one true love.

Congratulations on your anniversary and best wishes for many more wonderful years to come.

May you continue to be as blessed by your life together as those around you are blessed by your example of unconditional love.

True love stories never end.

To the couple who best exemplifies happily ever after.

May every year you share find you still more and more in love with each other.

Wishing you a very joyful anniversary and many more to come.

Happy anniversary to one of the coolest couples around!

Wishing you the special moments this golden day can bring, and through the years ahead of you, the best of everything!

May God bless you on this momentous occasion.

With love and best wishes for your anniversary.

Together may you share the things a perfect anniversary brings!

Wishing you all the happiness any couple could have.

May this be a day of tender moments, warm memories, and wonderful wishes for the future.

Celebrate the love that promises to bring so many more years of pure joy.

May your love continue to inspire others by shining brightly for years to come. Congratulations.

Wishing you much happiness as you continue to celebrate all the joys your marriage has brought.

We recently gave some advice on how to write a Thank You Note, and now we’re here with suggestions on what to write inside a Thank You card or eCard. You might be saying, “What’s the difference?” Although not vastly different, there are some points to take into consideration. You may want to write a bit more inside a Thank You card because there’s simply more room. Perhaps you’d like to be a bit more serious in a card… Read on for more tips and advice when writing a Thank You card.

Reflect on the person and situation you want to address. Is this someone you feel especially close to? Is the thank you for a gift or is this about a person’s generosity or thoughtfulness? If it’s the latter, remind them of how often you notice their generous spirit or willingness to do kind things.

Think about what the thank you is for. If for a gift, is it clear to you that they took time to choose it? Was their gift a reminder that you’re special to them? Is this for something nice they did for you or someone you care about? When you start answering some of these questions, it will help you develop some ideas of what to say.

Address them in a warm and personal way, thanking them for the specific gift or special thing they did. If they’re someone close to you, you can mention that you’re thankful for the gift, etc., but more than that, you’re thankful for their friendship, which you cherish all year through.

Let them know what the gift means to you. Did you eat the cookies they gave you right away or share them with your family? Did you wear the new scarf to work and everyone commented on it? Did their hospitality allow you to truly relax and enjoy yourself? Let them know that this gift has meaning for you.

You can then finish your note with a comment on how their gift or thoughtfulness makes you smile each time you think about it or let them know it added special meaning to your day.

The most important thing to remember is to be sincere…and to be yourself. Whether you go the traditional route or if funny is your thing, your appreciation will show through no matter which words you choose. So relax, and remember, too, that your note of thanks will start the year off right for both of you!

Finally, here are a few more idea starters that work well for many occasions:

A birthday is a really special occasion. Valentine’s Day is also a pretty special occasion. But when someone’s got a birthday that’s also on or near Valentine’s Day, now that’s an EXTRA special occasion!

So when it comes time to writing something meaningful and appropriate in a greeting to that unique Valentine baby—whether it’s a general birthday eCard or a specific Valentine’s Day eCard—you may find yourself at a slight loss for words. No longer.

The editors at Blue Mountain offer their suggestions for sentiments that will help convey your feelings exactly. Whether you’re searching for a message that’s fun and lighthearted, or something a bit more serious and conventional, we’ve got just the right Valentine’s Day birthday wishes for you. How sweet is that!

Cute & Sweet

From delicate lace to candy and cakes, nothing is finer or sweeter than you. Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

Hope your special day is just as sweet as you. Happy Valentine’s Birthday!

Hugs and kisses x2 on your Valentine’s birthday!

Sending you a double dose of sweet joy and happiness on your Valentine’s Day birthday!

Your heart is always filled with so much love, which explains why you were born on Valentine’s Day! Hope your special day is extra happy.

May your birthday be filled with all the sweetness in the world. Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

Only special people are born on the day the world celebrates love. Happy Valentine’s Birthday to special you!

Wishing you a valentine birthday sprinkled with happiness, laughter, and love!

Two of the sweetest days rolled into one: your birthday and Valentine’s Day. Happy happy!

Wishing you a doubly love-filled day! Happy Valentine’s Day Birthday!

How sweet that your birthday falls on Valentine’s Day. You get cake, ice cream, presents AND chocolate! Happy birthday!

Traditional & Heartfelt

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day birthday filled with lots of love and laughter!

Sending extra love on your Valentine’s birthday!

February 14 is a special day for a special person: you! Happy Valentine’s Birthday!